Subject: Are photons absorbed and re-emitted by glass?

The following quote comes from Discover Magazine's website.  It was written by 
Professor Mario Affatigato, a physics professor at Coe College.  It seems to be 
a direct contradiction to what is stated on the MadSci Network, most notably the 
answer to question # 876881858.Ph.  After reading through these several times, I 
am confused about the relationship between light and glass.

"Light can interact with matter in a variety of ways. For instance, the 
electrons in a material can absorb photons, or particles of light, and jump 
energy levels. If the absorption is great enough, no light is transmitted and 
the object appears opaque. Light can also be scattered by small, crystalline 
particles in a material.  Such scattering makes ceramic tiles look opaque. 

  "Glass is not a crystal but an amorphous material in which the molecules are
arranged without any long-range order. Because glass contains no large grains it
does not scatter light the way a ceramic does; visible light does not contain
enough energy for glass's tightly bound electrons to absorb the photons and
jump levels. As a result, glass is both colorless and transparent."

This seems to be saying that the absorbtion of light PREVENTS a medium from 
transmitting light, while the answer to question # 876881858.Ph seems to be 
saying that glass transmits light BECAUSE it absorbs and emits photons.

Any explanation would be appreciated.

Re: Are photons absorbed and re-emitted by glass?